986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

- Boxster General Discussions (http://986forum.com/forums/boxster-general-discussions/)

- - Opinion 2003 s or 2005 base? (http://986forum.com/forums/boxster-general-discussions/27908-opinion-2003-s-2005-base.html)

I own an '01S and have owned a '99 base and to me as a daily driver there is no difference. I'd even prefer the smaller HP as I can put my foot deeper into it before I have to lift for speed limits, traffic, etc. Even the 201HP '99 had 2x the HP of any of my 3 prior sports cars (Alfa/Alfa/914) from the '60s/'70s.

On the track, I'd have to focus on me the driver and getting the right line and not rely on HP to buy me time. So I'd emerge a better driver.

And I'd rather have the '05 base even though I've owned a wonderful '986 '01S model for 5+ years. Not enough to pay the extra for it from trading my flawless car but enough that, if I were buying and if there was a $3k difference, I'd go for it.

But there are really no bad choices between the two. Be glad you have the choice.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikefocke

Be glad you have the choice.

I am a cancer survivor, I am thankful every day that I am alive. This car is my gift to me. Life is too short to drive boring cars. :cheers:

Thanks Everyone for the input. I am going to drive both this weekend and make up my mind.

the 03 04 S is still a better car than the 05 base . motor, tranny and brakes are much better . the 05 looks better and has a really nice interior . if you are stuck on the 05 base try and search out the rare 6 speed with pasm , that's what i would go for.

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnsimion

If you are tall and value your life, first sit in the 2003 "S" and tilt your head back and see if your head would hit the roll bar in an accident. I am 6'-3" and I fit nicely in my 1999 Boxster, but if I moved my head backwards, I discovered that my head would hit directly on the rollbar in case of an accident. This is fairly common with tall guys and I believe it is a major safety issue. As a result, I ended up trading the Boxster for a Cayman, which doesn't have the issue. Likewise, the 2005-up Boxsters have more headroom and taller seats and thus avoid this problem.

I would also check the HP statistics on the two cars -- for example, my base Cayman has more HP than some earlier Boxster "S" models. The 2005-up models also have an upgraded interior. If the HP and the prices are nearly the same, and since you aren't tracking it, I would definitely lean toward the 2005 model.

I went and drove both today. My head touched the roll bar on the 03, pretty scary if you think about it

I went and drove a 2003 S. very nice car, didn't have power seats so I didn't fit well. I am 6'1" 180lbs.

I then drove a 2005 base. First time in a 987. What a nice car. Here are my opinions

2003 S is like going out for Filet's at Outback.
2005 base is like going for Filet's at Flemming's, It's more expensive but so much more enjoyable.

I imagine a 2005 S is like Filet's at Flemming's with a Supermodel :D

I knew an S was for me but couldn't decide on 986 or 987. Decided on 987 and found an 05 S with 20K miles and settled on $26,500. Not sure of your budget but at 26,500 I couldnt turn it down. If you are patient and shop everyday you can find a similar deal.

Too much interior Bling (chrome) on the '05.....I vote for the '03 S as well. :)

I drove a 987 s and base and I prefered the base 5spd gear box over the short ratio 6 speed. I also prefered the interior of the 987 over the 986. Suspension on the 986s is a different animal it really depends what you plan on using the car for. If you are like me and just cruise and want a street machine I'd be in a 987 base, if you plan on tracking then the 986s over any 987 s or base